Rule 144.05 Trial - Parties to Appear, When - Continuance

Both sides need to show up in small claims court on the date and time listed in the summons. This means the person who filed the claim and the person being sued both have to be there.

The judge plans to hear the case on that scheduled day. The trial won't get pushed back just because someone asks. A judge will only delay the case if there's a good reason, and it's up to the judge to decide what counts as good enough.

If you're involved in a small claims case, mark the court date on your calendar and plan to attend. If something serious comes up and you truly can't make it, you'll need to ask the court for a continuance and explain why, but there's no guarantee it will be granted.